DE60311963T2 - OPERATIONAL LIGHT CONTROL WITH VIDEO SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

A surgical light system ( 10 ) includes a lighthead ( 44 ) coupled to a suspension arm ( 41 ') adapted for mounting to a surface ( 14 ) of a surgical room. A bulb ( 130 ) is disposed in the lighthead. A processor ( 120 ) in the lighthead is operatively coupled with the bulb for controlling an intensity of light of the bulb and is adapted to generate a lighthead status signal representative of a first status of the lighthead. A control apparatus ( 32, 34 ) is in operative communication with the processor ( 120 ) in the lighthead. The control apparatus receives the lighthead status signal and selects a set of control algorithms from among a group of algorithms based on the lighthead status signal for controlling the lighthead. The lighthead status signal includes information regarding a size of the lighthead, an intensity of light from the bulb, a condition of the bulb, a level of current applied to the bulb, a level of current applied to the bulb, a level of voltage applied to the bulb, an internal temperature of the lighthead, and the presence of one or more of a video camera, a surgical task light, and a controllable ambient light. A human-readable display device ( 160 ) is provided for displaying information relating to the lighthead status signal. Several levels of redundancy are provided in the control system to minimize the potential loss of control due to failures. In that regard, the lightheads are operable when the control apparatus ( 32, 34 ) fails.

Description

background the invention

The The present invention relates to an operating room lighting, a Operating table and the associated Techniques and, in particular, a surgical light control with multiple user interfaces, one centrally located graphically designed control device for the various functions, an advanced camera detection and signal forwarding and a feedback control loop the light intensity. It is used in particular as an all-encompassing luminaire control system for one medical operating room and is therefore also with special Look at it described. However, it should be noted that the present Invention also in other applications for controlling a variety of tasks can be used, so not on the aforementioned use confined in the operating room is.

In An operating room is usually for illuminating the surgical area big, bright glowing light heads used. Often, video cameras are attached to the light heads, with which the operation documented and helped the surgeon will achieve a more optimal view. For some systems has the staff in the operating room no adjustment possibilities the camera. Without physically moving the camera and operating light, is only a single orientation with such systems in the camera and zoom factor possible. In other systems, although the staff in the operating room has the Possibility, to perform a control of the camera and operating light, but not the surgeon himself. If necessary, the surgeon does not have to order a sterile surgeon of the OR staff to examine the lighting and camera control to use.

existing Systems are unable to adapt the lighting fixtures in fed to the lighthead Monitor performance. The result is light intensity fluctuations by deviations in the lighting fixtures themselves, by voltage fluctuations and changes the line resistance. Deviations of the lamp voltage can, on the one hand, reduce the light intensity with possible negative impact on the operation of the operation or, secondly, increase the light intensity, thereby but reduce the life of the lamps.

Also Most of the existing systems do not have centralized control. So the jumper of the surgical staff must first at the one control panel the regulation of light intensity carry out, then align the camera on another, etc. This leads to confusion in the operation of the systems and, through the additional slots of the user interfaces, to a mess in the operating room.

In Systems with a centralized controller are exchanges and hardware improvement difficult because the software of the control device often can not be adjusted to the extent that it recognizes the new devices and can operate. An operating light and video control system would be desirable whose software is designed to work with simple software parameters or software settings can be set to work with new devices.

The The present invention relates to a new and improved method and device to overcome the above Problems, resulting in a better, more comprehensive regulation of the lighting and Video systems for a surgical operating room.

Summary the invention

The preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a plug-and-play control interface which allows the user at a control center to access multiple devices and also The surgeon within the germ-free area, the regulation of several equipment allows and the overall scheme of the system simplified and more intuitive designed.

The The present invention improves user access to the system by a graphically designed LCD display (LCD liquid crystal display), with the multiple devices, for example, ceiling lighting, room lighting, cameras, other Operating room accessories, can be controlled. A greatly improved, arranged at the surgeon Control allows the surgeon, the lighting and other things through simple voice commands to change. A foot pedal interface and an infrared remote control interface allows the surgeon to directly control the orientation and zoom factor of the cameras.

The preferred embodiment The present invention is plug and play compatible, so that the devices, For example, cameras, whole light heads, work lights and other surgical accessories, in the system can be plugged in and unplugged without the system software or the control protocol need updating. This concerns, for example, events, where additional light heads or other devices connected to the system or devices through improved versions be replaced.

A wall mounted control unit of be The system in question is equipped with a graphic LCD display, which allows the user to centrally input and output all control steps. The wall mounted control unit also contains the input and output ports for the various system options, such as the video recorder, voice control, fiber optic task light and camera foot control. The LCD interface provides the superior user control for the video camera, the fiber optic task light, the room lighting and the many light heads.

All medium-sized and big ones light heads are preferably for prepared the installation of a camera. Optionally, then a camera module in each of these light heads to be assembled. The control system is set up so that it automatically discovers the lighthead containing the camera and then the camera signal through a built as a plug-and-play electronic circuit passes to the wall-mounted control unit.

Of further maintenance functions are created in the system, allowing maintenance personnel to disassemble entire light heads and through new light heads to replace. The control system detects a new lighthead and takes care of when needed downloading the compatible software to the light head (plug and play). This reduces downtime for repairs. Every lighthead contains a microprocessor capable of providing control signals to the wall-mounted Control unit to send and receive signals from there as well as being able to access the switches on the handle of the lighthead cover react.

Of the Microprocessor also takes care of a feedback, exact regulation of the lamp power. The processor measures the Lamp voltage and the lamp current and determines from this the duty cycle a pulse width modulation circuit. This is a very effective method for producing a uniform light, since changes of all possible Causes can be compensated.

The advanced control allows that all light heads of the system at the respective switch of any light head of the system can be switched on and off. The pressing and Hold the '-' (less intensity) button on the Handle the light head cover over a certain duration, preferably four (4) seconds, turns off all light heads off and, preferably at the same time, the room lighting. The To press and holding the '+' (more intensity) button over a specific one Duration, preferably two (2) seconds, turns on all light heads and, preferably at the same time, the room lighting off.

With The wall-mounted control unit is available to the jumper of the surgical staff a time-saving as well as simple, central user interface to disposal. Due to the advanced control buttons on the handle of the lighthead cover can Also, the surgeon himself take over the control of the light heads. This saves time for the entire emergency personnel.

The Control system has several redundancy levels, thereby the possibility a failure of the lighting control during a surgical procedure to minimize. Each of the two power generators in the control unit produces enough Power to maintain the operation of the microprocessor. But should the microprocessor or the switch buttons of the wall-mounted control unit fail ON / OFF and brightness furthermore from the microprocessors present in each lighthead and switching buttons are regulated.

The Functions of video cameras, at least operation, zoom in (zoom), Alignment, brightness and focus can be accessed via the user interface to be controlled. Even more advanced features, such as white balance, Picture standstill, time and Date display, over the User interface controlled. The camera module is designed that it's medium in size or big ones Light head can be mounted. The control unit of the relevant lighting system Automatically detects that the camera module is present and in control then the video signal (s)) to the wall-mounted control unit.

In the surgical light system according to the present invention Invention are manifold control options to disposal. A graphical, preferably constructed as a LCD display user interface allows all components of the system from a central location out to control. ON / OFF control of all light heads of the System is in compliance with the sterility conditions with the light intensity control button possible at the handle of the light head cover. Even more advanced camera features, for example white balance, Picture standstill, time and Date display are controllable. The control unit automatically detects that the camera module is present and then passes the video signal to the wall-mounted control unit. A feedback control provides over the Time and with different constructions for a constant lamp power. The use of a new light head is from the wall-mounted Control unit detected and then automatically the corresponding Software uploaded to the necessary compatibility of the lighthead reach in the system ..

The The above list is by no means an exhaustive description of the control options of the surgical light system according to the present invention to watch.

Summary of the pictures

The The present invention can be practiced by various methods, including various Components and arrangements of the components are carried out; the preferred embodiment is shown in detail herein with reference to the following figures:

1 Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an operating light system according to the present invention showing a first group of operating lights fixed to the primary supporting spindle and a second group of operating lights fixed to the secondary supporting spindle, and a controller of the system;

2 shows the block diagram of the components of the lighting control device concerned;

3 shows the block diagram of the functional parts of the electronic component of the subject surgical lighting system;

4 shows the block diagram of the functional parts of the electronic control lamp for the lamp control of the surgical lighting system concerned;

5 the flow chart shows the function of the automatic component detection performed by the control system concerned;

6 shows the screen view of the user guidance of the lighting control device of the surgical lighting system concerned; and

7 shows the screen view of a submenu of the user guidance of the lighting control device of the respective operating light system.

detailed Description of the preferred embodiment

With reference to the drawings which are provided for the sole purpose of illustrating but in no way to delineate the preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG 1 an operating light system 10 with a first group of lighting fixtures 12 by means of the primary spindle suspension 16 from the ceiling 14 an operating room and a second group of lighting fixtures 18 by means of the secondary spindle suspension 20 from the ceiling 14 hangs. A lighting control device 30 consists of a main control unit 32 for controlling the first group of lighting fixtures 12 and a second control unit 34 for controlling the second group of lighting fixtures 18 , A number of communication and utility lines 36 connects the lighting control unit 30 with the first and second group of lighting fixtures 12 . 18 so that they can be controlled in a manner to be described in more detail below.

The on the primary spindle suspension 16 attached first group of lighting fixtures 12 includes three (3) ceiling light heads 40 - 44 , a surgical work lamp 46 and a room lighting 48 for the operating room. Each of the surgical light heads 40 - 44 is on a corresponding support arm 40 ' - 44 ' appropriate. Likewise, the surgical work lamp hangs on a support arm 46 ' , Each of the support arms 40 ' - 46 ' contain the appropriate power and communication cables to be described below, and allow movement of the light heads 40 - 44 and the surgical work lamp 46 in every position required for the respective surgical procedure. Each lighthead has a set of manually operable keys, preferably attached directly next to the handle of the respective device 124 for controlling the light intensity. The room lighting 48 is at a relative to the primary spindle suspension 16 fixed position. A single lighthead 50 is in addition together with a room lighting 52 on a suitable support arm 50 ' on the secondary spindle suspension 20 appropriate. Although at the first group 12 several lighting fixtures are mounted and attached to the second group 18 Of course, only one, more or less lighting fixtures can be used as needed. Also, a larger or smaller number of support spindles 16 . 20 be used.

With reference to 2 , the relevant operating light system becomes 10 function-oriented block diagram shown. Of course, the system is subdivided to achieve a high degree of redundancy, thus preventing overall failure or lighting failure due to failure of a single component. For the same reason, each lighthead has its own AC and DC power supply and can also be switched to a 24 V backup battery. Each of the surgical light heads contains its own electronic processor with its own, in each light head executable company software.

The light heads 40 - 44 and 50 contain the respective electronic cards 60 - 66 to run the programs according to a specified algorithm. Each of the lighting heads of the system in question are set to light with the lighting tung regular device 30 which controls the various lighting functions and provides the plug-and-play capability. The communication and supply lines 36 contain separate lighthead supply cables 70 - 76 through which the individual light heads are powered by the lighting control device 30 be supplied. In addition, the communication and supply lines contain 36 a communication line pair 80 . 82 through which the command and status data between the luminaries 12 . 18 and the lighting control device 30 be transported. This includes the main control unit 32 an electronic processor card 90 through which the special signals are generated by means of communication cables 80 . 82 between the control device and the light heads 40 - 44 . 50 and the work lamp 46 be transferred back and forth.

Further referring to 2 it should be noted that the execution of the relevant surgical lighting system 10 a video camera 100 contains. The video camera 100 is, as shown, on the large lighthead 44 assembled. The from the camera 100 outgoing video signals are transmitted through the support arm 44 ' of the big lighthead 44 through to the common, suspension-related electronics card 104 and on to the video module 106 on the processor card 90 the main control unit 32 transfer. The video module 32 is designed to be both a C video signal 108 (composite video signal) as well as an S-video signal 110 (separated video signal) generated.

In 3 and 4 are the functional components of the big lighthead 44 associated electronic module 64 shown in the form of a block diagram. 3 shows that the electronics module 64 a lamp control card 120 , a camera module 122 , a set of hand-operated light intensity buttons 124 , an optical, preferably LED (light emitting diode) output display 126 , one the primary 130 and secondary lamp body 132 receiving change mechanism 128 and a lamp replacement solenoid 134 that in case of failure of the primary lamp body 130 performs a lamp replacement. Each of these components is operational with the lamp control card 120 in direct connection. The operational communication with the lighting control device 30 ( 1 and 2 ) takes place via the communication and supply lines 36 which also has a differential video signal line 140 , a lamp line related to the serial output 142 and a power supply line 144 include. The differential video signal line 140 transports the video signals from the camera module 122 to the lighting control device 30 , The lamp leads related to the serial output 142 work in both directions and carry both commands and data between the electronics module 64 and the lighting control device 30 back and forth. The power supply lines 144 supply the light head with electrical power.

The lamp power is controlled via a feedback control. To do this, the lamp intensity controller measures 152 through the lamp 130 flowing current and the voltage applied to the lamp socket. The regulator 152 generates a lamp feedback signal from this 154 attached to the microprocessor 150 which derives therefrom the duty cycle for a pulse width modulation circuit 156 certainly. In this way a uniform illumination is achieved.

4 shows more details of the lamp control card 120 of the electronic module 64 , As shown therein, the microprocessor stands 150 in operative association with each of the components described above. The microprocessor 150 is arranged to communicate with the lighting control device according to the program code stored in a memory area of the microprocessor. In particular, the microprocessor performs 150 a specific program code that enables the plug-and-play feature of the surgical lighting system in question.

The Control system consists of several redundancy levels to thereby the possibility of a Failure of the lighting control during a surgical procedure to minimize. Each of the two power generators generated in the central control unit enough Power to maintain the operation of the microprocessor. But should the microprocessor or the switch buttons of the wall-mounted Control unit can fail ON / OFF and brightness furthermore from the microprocessors present in each lighthead and switching buttons are regulated.

5 FIG. 12 is an illustration of the flowchart of the automatic recognition sequence executed by the control unit of the preferred embodiment. FIG. As soon as power is turned on at S10, the lighting control device will turn off 30 each of the microprocessors 150 and in S16, each of the light heads for the software version, S16 for the number of light heads in the system, their size and design, as well as any data available after the power is turned on. One of these things becomes the microprocessor 150 on the lamp control card 120 when turned on via the camera detection signal line 136 ( 3 ) leaked. If in the electronics module 64 a camera module 122 is installed, the camera detection signal line 136 grounded. If a camera module is not available, the camera will remain voltage signal line 136 ungrounded and thus represents a logically high value.

The program code in the microprocessor 150 represents the status of the presence of a camera module 122 within the electronics module 64 in the light head 44 firmly. Other data is also from the microprocessor 150 to the lighting control device 30 forwarded. This includes data related to that of the microprocessor 150 used software version. The relevant surgical lighting system 10 uses this information to download the new executable code at S14 to the microprocessor in the presence of newer software versions. For this purpose, the new software at S14 of the lighting control device 30 over the communication and power lines 36 to the different electronic modules 60 - 66 downloaded.

To the determination of installed components at S16, chooses the Processor consists of a set of algorithms that control the function To run can. When a video camera is detected, S18 becomes a camera control algorithm selected, and at steps S20 and S22, the work lamp control algorithm, or the room lighting control algorithm selected when these devices have been found to exist. With regard to the surgical light heads are supported by the system, as mentioned above, different sizes and, preferably, each according to one controlled by a special, customized algorithm. This will be in step S24 the respective type of lighthead is determined and then at S26, a control algorithm for a small lighthead, at S28, a control algorithm for a middle lighthead and at S30, selecting a control algorithm for a large lighthead, as appropriate which type was determined in step S24.

6 shows the user display 160 the main control unit 32 the lighting control device 30 of the relevant surgical lighting system 10 , Preferably, the main control unit includes a backlit monochrome LCD screen and a group of membrane touch buttons 162 , The touch buttons 162 are used for manual input to control the relevant surgical lighting system. There is an ON button 164 and an OFF pushbutton 166 along with a group of other control buttons 168 next to the display area 170 are arranged and pointed to, by appropriate programming of the display area on the display surface. The display area 170 Thus, it contains essentially visual information directed to the user regarding the function of the pushbuttons arranged next to it 168 , The visual information is generated by the software in the processor, which can be used to redefine the function of physical keys as needed.

As in 6 shown, contains the display area 170 a "lighthead selection" area, a "light intensity" area, a "room lighting ON / OFF" area, a "camera" area and a "system" area, an up arrow 172 and a down arrow 174 serve along with other input keys to select a lighthead from the group. Become either the up or down arrow keys 172 . 174 pressed, appears on the user display 160 an arrow 176 , with the help of which one of the three selectable fields 178 can be selected. In addition, there is a light intensity reduction arrow 180 and a light intensity increase arrow 182 , with the help of which the user at the lighting control device 30 the intensity of the concerned by the position of the arrow 176 can control selected light head. In 6 is shown by the arrow 176 the light head number 3 has been selected and the light intensity has been set to level 3.

With the touch buttons 162 There is also a room lighting button 190 along with a corresponding room lighting icon in the display area, allowing the user the room lighting 48 switch on or off as needed. There is also below one in the ad area 170 arranged camera icon a camera button 192 with which the camera can be switched on or off. And finally, there is another system query button 194 that allows the user to query status data of the surgical lighting system.

A lighthead is set by means of the UP / DOWN buttons located under the LIGHT HEAD SELECT panel 172 . 174 and the light intensity with the LEFT / RIGHT buttons located under the INTENSITY indicator panel 180 . 182 set. Seven (7) predefined power levels are programmed into the non-erasable fixed memory of the respective light head, which correspond to the seven light intensity levels. The power level specifications for the different types of lamp are stored in a power level file in the respective lighthead. In the 6 displayed intensity displays 200 - 208 consist of a lighthead number 210 with a subsequent seven-part bar segment display 212 , When the light head is switched off, no segments are displayed. At a maximum light intensity of the lighthead, seven segments are displayed. As shown in 6 , lighthead 1 is at full power, lighthead 2 is off, lighthead 3 on low power and lighthead 4 slightly brighter than lighthead 3. As the user increases the light intensity, further segments are always displayed from left to right, with the segments in front remaining visible.

If two or more light heads are detected in the system, this will appear 6 ALL LIGHT HEADS displayed 214 on the display screen, now the ALL LIGHT HEADS display field is arranged by using the UP / DOWN buttons located under the LIGHT HEAD SELECT panel 172 . 174 is selected, then the regulation of all lighting heads of a predefined order. If the ALL LIGHT HEADS field is selected and the right arrow 182 pressed for higher intensity, then all light heads are immediately controlled up to the next higher intensity level. Conversely, if the left arrow 180 is pressed for lower intensity, old light heads are immediately lowered down to the next lower intensity level.

The primary or secondary lamps of a lighthead are identified by "A" or "B", with "A" being understood as the primary lamp In the system of the preferred embodiment set forth above, the lamps are continuously monitored regardless of whether they are on If a lamp is missing or burnt out, a lamp error indicator will appear 220 on the display screen and flashes on and off at a predefined frequency, preferably every two seconds with a duty cycle of fifty percent.

Still referring to the figures, the system is also capable of automatically detecting the presence of a hand-held work lamp described above. There is a work lamp indicator for this 218 along with a lamp life indicator 230 intended. The intensity display consists of seven segments 212 in the form of a bar graph, in the same way as the intensity indicator for the light heads. As the user increases the light intensity, more segments are always displayed from left to right, with the segments in front remaining visible.

The additional lifetime indicator for the work lamp 230 shows the user the remaining life of the lamp in the hand-held work lamp. The corresponding bar graph 232 moves, as in 6 shown, with decreasing light intensity to the right. The bar length is preferably calibrated such that the left edge is assigned 0 hours and the right edge 500 hours. As soon as the bar graph equals a lamp life of 400 hours, the bar begins to flash at a predefined frequency, preferably every two seconds with a duty cycle of fifty percent. After 500 hours, a flashing graphic of a crossed-out lamp appears to draw the user's attention to this situation. At 500 hours, an entry is made in the error log, which then shows that the number of operating hours of the hand-held work light has exceeded a predefined operating limit.

In addition there There is still a battery icon in the display, with which the remaining Operating time of the backup battery is displayed.

7 shows a submenu 250 , which is then displayed in the relevant control system when the button located under the camera icon 234 ( 6 ) is pressed. As shown, the function selection buttons become 172 . 174 used to by means of the arrow 176 to select the various control options of the camera, such as operation 252 , Zoom in (zoom) 254 , Alignment 256 , Brightness adjustment 258 , Focus 260 ,

Claims (12)

An operating light system ( 10 ), characterized in that it comprises: a lighthead ( 44 ) on a suspension ( 41 ' ) on a surface ( 14 an operating room, said lighting head being capable of receiving a plurality of components; a luminous body ( 130 ) in said lighthead; a process computer ( 120 ) in said light head, which regulates the luminous intensity of the luminous element and is operatively connected to the luminous body, and wherein said process computer is capable of generating a signal representative of a first state of the luminous head and this state depends on at least one of the following: number the existing light heads, type or types of light heads present, presence of a video camera, presence of a suspended surgical work light, and presence of adjustable room lighting; and a control device ( 32 . 34 ) operatively connected to said process computer in the lighthead, said control means ( 32 . 34 ) is capable of sending an interrogation signal to the process computer ( 120 ) and thereby to interrogate said lightheaded status signal, to receive the lightheaded status signal generated due to the interrogation and said control means being characterized in that it selects a particular set of lighthead control control algorithms based on the lightheaded state signal from a group of algorithms. The surgical light system ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that a first lightheaded status signal comprises at least one of the following: size of the lighthead; Intensity ( 154 ) of the light from said filament; Condition of the said filament; the current applied to said filament ( 150 ); the voltage level applied to said filament ( 150 ); the internal temperature of said light head .. The surgical light system ( 10 ) according to claim 1, further characterized in that a serial data connection ( 36 . 80 . 82 ) between said process computer ( 120 ) and said control device ( 32 . 34 ) consists. The surgical light system ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that said control device ( 32 . 34 ) a liquid crystal display ( 160 ) with which said first state can be displayed. The surgical light system ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device ( 32 . 34 ) is capable of generating a command signal; and the process computer ( 120 ) in the lighthead is capable of controlling the light intensity according to this command signal. The surgical light system ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the process computer ( 120 ) in said lighthead is capable of the control device ( 32 . 34 ) to receive selected algorithms; and execute said selected algorithms. The surgical light system ( 10 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that said control device ( 32 , 34 ) is capable of determining, on the basis of the lightheaded status signal, whether said process computer ( 120 ) in said operation lighting system has the operationally required compatibility; and downloading an algorithm from the group of operating-system-compatible algorithms if the programming of the process computer is incompatible with the application in the surgical lighting system. The surgical light system ( 10 ) according to claim 1, further characterized in that said light head is provided with a camera ( 100 ) operatively connected to the control device ( 32 . 34 ) and which generates an image signal which can be converted by means of a corresponding video monitor into a human recognizable image, wherein the control means includes control means with which the function of the camera, inter alia, white balance, freeze frame, time fade, date fading, set can be. The surgical light system ( 10 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the control device ( 32 . 34 ) is capable of detecting whether said camera is connected and forwarding said image signal to an output of the control device to which a corresponding video monitor can be connected. The surgical light system ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a first light intensity control knob ( 124 ) at said lighthead and a second light intensity control knob ( 180 . 182 ) at said control device ( 32 . 34 ), whereby the process computer ( 120 ) responds to both the first and second light intensity control buttons. The surgical light system ( 10 ) according to claim 1, further characterized in that it is an operation video camera ( 100 ), which generates a video signal, wherein: said process computer ( 120 ) in said lighthead is capable of generating a signal "video camera present"; and said control means ( 32 . 34 ) is capable of receiving the signal "video camera present" and one for the surgical video camera ( 100 ) select appropriate camera control algorithm from said group of algorithms. The surgical light system ( 10 ) according to claim 11, further characterized in that a human readable display ( 160 ) is included; in the data relating to the head status signal and the video camera device.